Vance McAllister becomes newest House member

12:22 AM,
Nov. 22, 2013

Vance McAllister is sworn into the U.S. House of Representatives.

Written by

Deborah Barfield Berry
Gannett

WASHINGTON - Political newcomer Vance McAllister was sworn in Thursday as the newest U.S. House member after an upset victory in Louisiana that he said should send a message to establishment GOP candidates and incumbents.

McAllister, a Republican oil-and-gas businessman, handily beat fellow Republican Neil Riser, a state senator and the favored candidate, in a special runoff election in Louisiana's 5th Congressional District. The seat was left vacant when GOP Rep. Rodney Alexander resigned earlier this year.

"The 5th District spoke and they spoke loud and clear,'' McAllister, 39, ...